Thailand’s southern region has experienced religious and ethnic tensions for an extended period, causing disturbances and unrest among its inhabitants. The latest episode involves a group of student activists from the troubled provinces who held a controversial vote that has sparked significant backlash.
The student activist group, known as “Pelajar Bangsa” or National Students Movement, organized this controversial vote during a seminar held at the Faculty of Political Science, Prince of Songkla University. The objective was to gather support for the secession of the deep South provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and four districts in Songkhla from the rest of Thailand.
This provocative act has caused an uproar within society and attracted attention from security agencies, which are now contemplating whether to take legal action against the group. This has led Jurin Laksanawisit, also known as caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, to address the issue publicly.
Jurin stated unequivocally that neither secession nor a referendum on the matter is an option due to Section 1 of the current Constitution, which declares “Thailand is one and indivisible Kingdom.” Jurin emphasized that, should a referendum on separation occur, security authorities must step in and intervene immediately as it contradicts the Referendum Act.
Jurin further noted that the separation of a state is a significant issue that a country like Thailand would never agree to. Consequently, he rejected the idea of the Thai government engaging in negotiations with separatist groups, arguing that doing so would elevate them to the same status as the state.
Instead, Jurin underscored the importance of differentiating between decentralization and separation. He pointed out that the southern provinces, like other cities in Thailand, already have a measure of decentralization due to local elections at the municipal level. As such, he maintains that further decentralization is a more viable approach rather than supporting the separation of these provinces.
In conclusion, the discussion ignited by the student activist group has brought the sensitive issue of ethnic and religious tensions to the forefront. The Thai government is determined to address these challenges, focusing on strategies that promote unity and decentralization while respecting the unique needs of the region. As such, it is essential for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and explore peaceful means to resolve the long-standing conflicts and promote harmony throughout Thailand.
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